As I have read through the literature researching this topic, it has become apparent that, in the early days of the RRS – and well into its history – man’s best friend functioned mainly as the sled dog. A good breeding stock must have been in the area before the settlers arrived. Although there is mention of dogs being used at York Factory, I didn’t see any reference to them being brought down in the boats.

“Send a Canoe with 3 men for the Salt left about 25 miles up the river-”  – Miles Macdonell Journal

“Friday The Cuchulin arrived from Fort Daer, with Eight families & some lumber…. The party that arrived to-day were quite astonished when they saw Capt. McDonald [Miles Macdonell] & Mr. Warren & several others of our men on the Bank of the River to-day because they were told above that they were all taken prisoners by the N. W. Co. & this was so strongly circulated among them that, even Mr. [Michael] McDonell gave up work above [at Fort Daer].”  – Archibald McDonald Journal